Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Edamame Fried Rice and Hiking Photos

Do you ever have those nights when nothing really sounds good? Well, I had one of those nights last night, so I decided on making some fried rice. I actually remembered to write everything down this time as I made it. That way if it was good, I could share it with you. I still haven't learned exactly what spices complement each other, so I was a little worried about how it would turn out. It turned out very good though. Here's how I made it.

In a large non stick skillet heat olive oil and add the onions and peppers. Saute for about 5 minutes then add the frozen edamame and mixed veggies. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes over medium heat, giving an occasional stir to prevent overcooking. Add the rice to the cooked veggies and mix well, then add all the spices and soy sauce and mix well. Cook for about 5 minutes then add the red cooking wine and mix well. Cook for another 5-10 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes to keep from burning. I cooked mine for about 10 more minutes because I like my rice fried well.

In case you were wondering what the corn stick looking thing was in my bowl with the rice, it's my corn shaped cornbread. Tony's mom gave him an old cast iron pan that is for making corn shaped cornbread. Who knows how old it is or exactly how many times it had been handed down, but Tony requested that the cornbread be cooked in it. :o) I think it brings back childhood memories for him. They sure did taste good!

Breakfast was simple but so good. I had oatmeal with a heaping tablespoon of raspberry jelly and a small handful of walnuts mixed into it. This was the first time I added jelly or preserves into my oatmeal, and I have no idea what took me so long.....

Next, I wanted to share some pictures of our weekend stay at Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park. I think this past weekend was by far the best! Our 2 night stay at a small 1850's log cabin, located on the Kentucky Lake, without a TV or computer was wonderful. At first I was wondering how in the world I would make it without a TV, because we watch a LOT of TV. It was so peaceful and the hiking was wonderful. I had forgotten how rewarding nature is when you are surrounded by it's beauty and all the lovely creatures. Hiking is something I will be doing a lot more of and we will be going back here again.

The place where we started our hike.On the hiking trail.

I did need a boost to get up in the tree. :o)

Thank goodness for finding hiking sticks...we were pooped at the end of the hike!

I thought this was the coolest...all the vines intertwined like they were. Tony's grillin' with my boca burgers on the right. :o)

The road to and from our cabin.

Our little cabin for the weekend. Isn't it so pretty! We used the fireplace the whole time we were there.

The back of the log cabin.

Our view of the Kentucky Lake from the back porch.Deer were everywhere and they were not afraid of us.

The sun setting on our last night. :o)

Do you have a place like this close to where you live that you may have just recently found out about? We never even knew this place existed until about a month ago, and it is only an hour from our house. I wonder what else we are missing out on? We are about to find out! :o)

Oh, yeah, I haven't had that kind of cornbread since I was little. I also haven't stayed in a cabin in a long time - looks so fun. Although, I kind of agree with SV - I might have been a little freaked out on Halloween like that! :)